Description
Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Pita Pockets with Tzatziki Sauce is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired main course featuring a savory ground beef and mushroom filling melted with cheese, complemented by a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, these pita pockets combine juicy spiced beef, creamy cheese, and crisp fresh vegetables for a balanced and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
For the tzatziki sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
For serving:
- 4–6 pita pockets, halved
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Red onion slices (optional)
Instructions
- Make the tzatziki: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in chopped mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables soften and moisture evaporates. Add dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low, then stir in shredded cheese until it melts completely and creates a creamy mixture. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the pita pockets: Warm the pita halves gently either in a pan or microwave. Stuff each pita half with shredded lettuce, a generous spoonful of the cheesy beef and mushroom filling, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Add diced tomatoes and red onion slices if desired for extra freshness and crunch. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb or turkey for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with lentils or additional mushrooms.
- Warm and fresh pita pockets provide the best texture and taste.
